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child finger prick

The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory is accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) for blood lead testing by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.

Lead is a highly toxic metal causing damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells.

Young children are at highest risk because their developing bodies absorb lead more easily. Lead dust exposure can have life-long health effects such as lowering a child’s IQ. 

The only way to find out if someone has been exposed to too much lead is by a blood test.

All children should be screened for lead at ages 1 and 2 by their health care providers.